Good morning and happy Monday to you all. Plenty of new news has dropped so let's jump right in.
HOCKEY WILL RETURN
We all assumed that this season would happen in some way shape or form but we finally have some locked in dates and confirmation. The Edmonton Oilers will play in a 56 game season in the now officially named North Division. Joining the Oilers will of course be the Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Ottawa Senators.
The top four teams in each division will make the playoffs which obviously means there will be four Canadian teams in the post season no matter what. Team 1 will play Team 4 and Team 2 will play Team 3 and the winners of both will then face off in a Division Final. Right now I have the Oilers, Canucks, Leafs, and Canadiens making the top four. Who are your picks?
TAXI!!
Each team also will have a Taxi Squad, designed to limit extra travel and be able to jump in if a player suddenly tests positive for COVID.
These squads will be between 4-6 players and do require waivers to call up (if rules apply). These still count against the salary cap but as minor league contracts, similar if they were part of the AHL team.
Because these players can only participate in NHL practices and no other activities it will be interesting to see who falls into this category. I could end up seeing players like Patrick Russell and Adam Cracknell as part of this group.
IMPORTANT DATES
December 28th - Waiver wire December 31st - The non playoff teams from last year (Ducks, Sabres, Red Wings, Kings, Devils, Senators, and Sharks) can all begin team practices January 3rd - TRAINING CAMP BEGINS January 13th - SEASON BEGINS April 12th - Trade Deadline May 8th - End of Regular Season May 11th - Playoffs Begin July 15th - Last Day of Playoffs (at hte latest) July 21st - Seattle Expansion Draft July 23/24 - Draft July 28th - Free Agency Begins
With Free Agency being roughly a month later than normal, I can see the NHL still being able to start 2021/2022 season on time at the beginning of October once more.
There is still plenty of time between now and January 13th and even once the season starts things may have to be juggled as they were in other leagues but fans should be feeling positive right now.
RECOGNITION FOR DRAISAITL
Some nice Oilers news came from overseas in Germany as Leon Draisaitl was announced as Germany's sportsman of the year by their nation's media. Leon has already become one of the highest scoring German players to ever play the game and may in fact take over that spot this season.
Marco Sturm produced 487 points through 938 NHL games between 1997-2012. Leon currently sits with 422 points in 422 games. The Hart Trophy recipient from last season continues to build an impressive resume not only for himself but for German hockey as a whole.
Just this past draft, another German player Tim Stutzle was selected 3rd overall, tied for the highest German player ever drafted alongside Leon Draisaitl. German hockey continues to grow and sadly we may not see their WJ team play at their full potential due to so many being diagnosed with COVID.
CAPTAIN BROBERG
In other World Juniors related news, it was announced that Oilers defensive prospect Philip Broberg has been named Team Captain for Team Sweden.
The 19 year old Broberg will be playing in his third WJ tournament and though he may not be the highest rated prospect there, it is a sign of his maturity and faith from his coaching staff that he was given the "C". Before we will get to watch any training camp underway, Oilers fans will have the chance to see Broberg take to the ice to represent his country.
Thanks for reading!